Just venting.

[Alaska landlord]

What is the name of your state? AK


It never fails. Applicants signed a lease with me about 2 weeks ago to take possession on the 1st of November. I spent over an hour explaining the lease and non refundable holding fee which would be credited towards the deposit and rent. They loved the apartment and were very complimentary on the size and general appearance of the unit. They both checked out as having good credit and rental history.

Well, it’s now the 28th and I just received an irate call on my rental machine that they will have to decline the apt and I better have their money by tomorrow. This should make tomorrow a very interesting day. I can’t understand why some tenants don’t have a clue as to what a contract is and what the value of their signature means on a binding contract.
Now I will probably have to spend 2 or three hours in court and have to ruin their credit just cause their too stupid and air-headed to realize that they are in the wrong.

 

[aabbcc]

I've been there too. I don't budge an inch with the obnoxious.

On the bright side, you found out what kind of people they are before they moved in !!! What a bonus. This very well could be a blessing in disguise.

Good luck !!!

 

[CourtClerk]

Agreed... Sorry AKLL, some people are just idiots in this world. You come out on top in the end, but be greatful that you didn't get them as tenants... this could have been a sign.

 

[Alaska landlord]

Thanks guys, but the down side is that I go on vacation for a month in 3 days. will have to leave someone else with this headache. But, I will try diplomacy before we go on to the brass tactics. The way I see it they owe me a letter indicating that they will not take possession and the balance of the rent for Nov. If by some miracle I can find a good renter (fat chance, the market is pretty lean) They get the remaining balance. I knew that two weeks was too long but I guess the prospect of going through the winter without a tenant was too intimidating. funny thing is that if I would have rented from under them they would be screaming bloody murder.

 

[FarmerJ]

A l unfortunately way way too many tenants treat rental contracts as if they were toilet paper. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[LindaP777]

Try to rest & relax on your vacation! You are in the "right".
Tell them politely that they will not only not be getting back their holding deposit, they will owe rent until a new tenant is found as well as reimbursement for the ads you have to run. Tell them you are reasonable, and ask them how they intend to rectify the situation.

 

[ecmst12]

Do I get to start a "tenant rant" thread now about how it took over a year to get a leak in my bathroom ceiling fixed and the water-damaged drywall replaced?